List of 16 frequently asked questions.

• + WHAT TIME IS DROP OFF AND PICK UP?

  Morning Drop-Off is 8:15 AM to 8:30 AM at the West Entrance of the campus. The address of this entrance is 56 Coolidge Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 01238. A staff member will greet each child and direct them to their group spaces.
  
  

  Afternoon Pick Up is 3:15 PM to 3:30 PM at the West Entrance of the campus. A staff member will escort each child to their pick-up vehicle/person.

  
  Please call the Auxiliary Cell Phone to let us know if you need to pick up or drop off outside of these hours: 617-721-9013.

• + IS BUSING PROVIDED?

  We do not offer busing. Families are welcome to carpool. We will share a SHS Summer Family Directory with registered families to facilitate communication about potential carpooling.

• + ARE THERE AFTERCARE DAY OPTIONS?

  Yes. For pre-registered campers, we offer Aftercare from 3:30 PM–6:00 PM. Students are provided with a snack option, recess, and time to play and create in our Makerspace. There is no Aftercare on the last day of Summer Programs.

• + DO YOU PROVIDE LUNCH AND SNACK?

  Shady Hill provides a morning snack for all campers, including a dry good, a dairy option and fresh fruit. We ask that campers come to camp each day with lunch and a beverage. 
  
  A water bottle is highly encouraged so that campers can easily stay hydrated! Our central lobby has water bottle stations for refilling.
  In the case of a forgotten lunch, we can offer extra snacks and fruit.
  At the end of the day, we offer an optional frozen popsicle treat!

• + ARE SHADY HILL’S SUMMER PROGRAMS PEANUT-FREE?

  Shady Hill is Nut Safe. In response to the growing number of campers with severe peanut/tree nut allergies, we are asking all camp families and staff to refrain from bringing peanut/tree nut products to camp. All camp staff have been trained in food allergies and advised of any food restrictions in their group. Staff are present while campers are eating and no food may be shared during lunch.

• + DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE TOILET TRAINED?

  Yes, all children must be toilet trained before the summer begins. We understand bathroom accidents are a part of growing up. We ask that all children bring a change of clothes to Summer Programs, in case of emergency. We will help children change into clean clothes with minimal fuss when needed. However, if a child is regularly unable to appropriately use the bathroom on their own, they may be asked to withdraw from the program.

• + HOW ARE STAFF SELECTED?

  All of our Program Teachers are experienced SHS teachers with a passion for their craft. Group leaders and any new or junior staff go through an intensive interview process and a minimum of three reference checks.
  
  All of our staff our fingerprinted and must complete a National Public Sex Offender, Massachusetts CORI/Juvenile, Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Information Check.

• + IS THERE A NURSE AVAILABLE ALL DAY?

  Yes, we have a nurse on staff and on campus each day from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The nurse handles all minor healthcare needs (cuts, scrapes, stomach aches, etc.) and dispenses medication as required. The nurse is available during camp hours to answer questions or concerns. 
  
  Prior to registering, feel free to call the Auxiliary Programs Office to discuss your child's specific needs, any concerns you may have, and to find out if our programs are an appropriate placement. We are not a medical or therapeutic program.

• + WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD BRING TO CAMPUS?

  • Closed-toed shoes.
  • A backpack. 
  • Two clean masks
  • Lunch in a cooler or a lunch box. 
  • A full water bottle. 
  • Adequate rain gear on rainy days. 
  • A change of clothing and a sweatshirt. 
  • Bathing suit/water clothes/water shoes for water play.
  • A towel. 
  • Sunscreen.
  • Hats and swim shirts are good options if your child is particularly sensitive to the sun. 
  • Insect repellent if your child is sensitive to bug bites.

  Please make sure that your child’s name is clearly labeled on all belongings, including clothing, lunch boxes, towels, backpacks, etc.

• + WILL MY CAMPER HAVE THE OPTION TO GO SWIMMING?

  No, we do not have swimming facilities. However, we offer water play every day on our inflatable water slide along with other fun water play activities.

• + CAN PARENTS/CAREGIVERS VISIT DURING PROGRAM HOURS?

  We invite parents/caregivers to celebrate in special community share events. Otherwise, we encourage parents to drop children off outside the doors of the school buildings, to help nurture their growing independence.

• + WHAT ARE YOUR BEHAVIORAL GUIDELINES?

  • Respect each other 
  • Being courteous and kind 
  • Cooperate in group activities 
  • Using appropriate language and gestures at all times 
  • Value personal space (primarily keeping “hands to yourself”) 

  We use structured expectations and a warm, non-punitive approach to managing behavior. Children are asked to work collaboratively with adults to solve problems that may arise. Our staff are taught to listen to children and respond to their needs in a safe and respectful way. 

  
  

  We understand that some days or moments are harder than others. However, if any child is not able to remain safe with others or with themselves, we may have to withdraw the child from the program. Should this happen we will not be able to reimburse families for any costs associated with the week. More specifics of graduated behavior intervention plan guidelines will be available in the SHS Summer Family Handbook.

• + WHAT DISCOUNTS DO YOU OFFER?

  Early Bird Discount (in the month of January): $25. 
  
  

  Welcome Discount (to newly admitted SHS families): please email sarah.wooten@shs.org, for more information.
  
  Multi-Week Discount: for registering for the full 2 weeks of a session, instead of a one-week option ($50 off per session).
  
  

  We do not offer discounts for siblings.

• + IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?

  At this point, Financial Aid is only available to Shady Hill families who qualify for Financial Aid during the school year.

• + WHAT ARE YOUR REFUND POLICIES?

  Families can be fully reimbursed for any tuition payment before the final tuition is due: Sunday, May 12, 2024. Deposit amounts are not refundable unless for medical reasons.
  
  

  After May 12, tuition fees are not refundable. Case-by-case exceptions may be made by the Director of Auxiliary Programs. 

  
  All prices are session-long prices. Families will not be refunded for any part of a week or day missed.

• + WHAT ARE YOUR COVID-19 MITIGATION PLANS?

  All staff and students must be vaccinated against COVID-19. We will follow the SHS Health Office guidelines for best practices for all health and safety guidelines as they evolve. Masks may be encouraged or required if there is a COVID-19 case in the community. As always, we ask that students are carefully monitored for all systems of illness and kept at home if they have a fever, sore throat, cough, or any other symptoms of illness.